Anderson was Guest Speaker at White Coat Ceremony

VCOM’s White Coat Ceremony was held Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The speaker this year is Dr. William G. Anderson, D.O.

WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, I, D.O., Past President of the American Osteopathic Association, Senior Advisor to the Dean Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine and is Vice President of Academic Affairs, Osteopathic Medical Education responsible for the development of osteopathic medical education programs for students, interns and residents at hospitals within the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). He is Professor of Surgery and Senior Advisor to the Dean of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Anderson began his professional career in the practice of medicine and surgery in Albany, Georgia where he practiced for 6 years. During this time, he was a founder and first president of the Albany Movement, which spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement in Southwest Georgia. He subsequently completed his training in General Surgery in Detroit Michigan where he conducted a successful group surgical practice until 1984. Thereafter, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the Michigan Health Corporation, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital and Associate Director of Medical Education at Detroit Riverview Hospital until assuming his current position.

Dr. Anderson is a graduate of the Des Moines University/College of Osteopathic Medicine where he earned the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree. He is certified in General Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He has received Doctorate of Humane Letters from Ohio University, the New England University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also received a Doctorate of Science Degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and a Doctorate of Public Service from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Dr. Anderson served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Osteopathic Association for 20 years. He is past President of the Michigan and the Wayne County Osteopathic Associations and previously served as President of the Michigan Osteopathic College Foundation. He is a life member of the NAACP and a former member of the Highland Park YMCA where he served for more than 25 years. He served on the Board of Trustees for Des Moines University for over 20 years. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Citizens Trust Bank in Atlanta, Georgia where he served for 24 years. He is a Trustee and member of the Properties Planning Committee of the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church - Detroit.

He was married to the late Norma Dixon of Atlanta, Georgia and is the proud father of 5, three of whom have followed him into careers in Osteopathic Medicine. He has a daughter who is a Librarian and a second daughter who is Project Training Leader/Professional Development, State of Georgia. Two grandchildren are osteopathic physicians in training one as an Internist (VCOM 2007) and the other in Urological Surgery (MSUCOM 2009). Two granddaughters are lawyers and one a school counselor.

With his wife, Norma, published AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF A BLACK COUPLE OF THE GREATEST GENERATION – 2004. Now in its fifth printing has sold over 10,000 copies with all proceeds going to the American Osteopathic Foundation for Minority Scholarships in osteopathic medicine.

Included among his recognition awards are:

AOA Distinguished Service Award
Alumni of the Year Award, Des Moines University/College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, Iowa
Phillips Medal of Public Service Award, Ohio University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio
Distinguished Service Certificate, Michigan Association of Osteopathic of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Wayne County, Community Service Award
Meritorious Service Award, Michigan Osteopathic Medical Center
Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service Award, Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Physician of the Year, Michigan Osteopathic Society
Orael F. Martin Distinguished Surgeon Award.
Doctor of Science – Michigan State University